Stupa (Chorten) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Buddhist stupa with stepped base, worked in filigree and set with colored stones Its upper part is carved from crystal. Its upper part is carved from crystal. A stupa, Tibetan chorten, is a central symbol of Buddhist art and stands for the enlightened mind of the Buddha and his teaching (Dharma). 

The stupa stands on a square, stepped base. The uppermost terrace is set with four dzi beads as well as lapis lazuli stones at the four corners. This is followed by a band of set turquoise stones. Above the base rises a multi-tiered, rounded crystal body, decorated with arched motifs and set with colored stones. The sequence of rounded and angular elements forms a mandala-like order when viewed from above.

The lowest tier is adorned with turquoise and coral in abstracted vajra motifs. The recessed surfaces are worked in floral filigree. Spiral forms filled with small curved wire elements are joined into ornamental patterns. Colored stones are set into the decoration.

The stupa follows established iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Stupa, Chorten

Copper base, decorated with filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli. Chaitya made of crystal. The sculpture is patinated. Handmade in Nepal.

• Height: 27 cm
• Width: 17.5 cm
• Depth: 17.5 cm
• Weight: 1,675 g